Located in the Southeastern region of Tasmania, Hobart is the capital of the state with the highest population in Tasmania. Originally established as a penal colony and to ward off French explorers, Hobart quickly grew into a major seaport. With the Derwent River’s deepwater capabilities, Hobart became home to sea industries such as shipbuilding, whaling and other fishing trades.
Today Hobart is a combination of urban businesses, waterfront activities and laid back suburban lifestyles. Hobart is the jumping off place for Antarctic exploration as well as the home of modern day ship makers. The rich history and culture of Hobart and the mild temperatures and natural beauty around the city make it an extremely popular tourist destination as well. Wilderness and Wildlife
While there is not much wildlife inside the city of Hobart, with the exception of the city’s cows which graze near downtown, the surrounding areas are rich with wilderness. Leaving Hobart behind and heading into the Huon Valley, you have the opportunity to walk through the skies over the Tahune Forest Reserve. The Tahune Forest AirWalk is 570 meters of suspended walkway through the treetops approximately 37 meters off the forest floor. Approximately an hour outside of Hobart is the Mount Field National Park. This is one of the most popular national parks in Tasmania. Mount Field National Park is home to beautiful waterfalls, including the famous Russell Falls, as well as natural wildlife such as the Tasmanian Devil. Also outside of Hobart is the largest park in Tasmania, Southwest National Park. Part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, Southwest National Park has over 600,000 square hectares of rugged wilderness and mountain peaks. Sights and Activities
Traveling outside of Hobart, you can see the relics of convict labor in the town of Richmond. The Richmond Bridge is the oldest still in use in Australia. It is said to be haunted by an abusive prison guard who was beaten to death and thrown into the river by the convicts building the bridge at the time. Also outside of Hobart is the Tasman Peninsula, home to the Port Arthur Historic Site. Port Arthur is an extremely popular tourist location in Tasmania. The beautiful buildings and gardens were built using convict labor, and the surviving pieces of the prison facility tell the tale of hardship and intrigue. Inside the city, the Antarctic Center offers a glimpse into the exciting world of Antarctic exploration. Many seasoned explorers live in the area, and the center is home to the sea vessels that make the trip to the frozen continent as well as relics of past and present expeditions. For a more exciting evening and night, Salamanca and Salamanca Market offer the best of Hobart nightlife, restaurants and entertainment. During the day on Saturdays, Salamanca Market offers residents and tourists an opportunity to browse local wares and visit with the merchants who grow or create them. As Australia’s original casino, Wrest Point Casino also offers activities for day and night. Travel
It is possible to fly directly into Hobart on many commercial airlines. Once in the city, busses run throughout most of the business and attractions. Cars are available to rent for additional exploration outside of the city as well as taxies or limousines for a more hands-off approach to travel. Accommodations
As the capital city, Hobart has many accommodations ranging from deluxe resorts to more budget-friendly housing. Both inside and outside of the city, bed and breakfast establishments are available as well as smaller inns and hostels. In the more rugged areas of Tasmania’s southern region, parks offer camping sites and cabins. |
